Zeolite in Industrial Applications
| Zeolite | Zeolite is a naturally occurring mineral that was formed when ash from volcanoes was deposited in alkaline/saline lakes millions of years ago. Over time, the interaction of the volcanic ash with the salts in the lake water altered the ash creating the mineral zeolite.
Zeolite is an amazing crystalline mineral capable of adsorbing many different types of gases, moisture, petrochemicals, heavy metals, low-level radioactive elements and a multitude of various solutions. The channels in the zeolite provide large surface areas on which chemical reactions can take place. The cavities and channels within the crystal could occupy up to 50% of its volume. Zeolites can adsorb or absorb large amounts of materials, such as ions or gas molecules. This means zeolites can be used to exchange certain ions.
The channels and cavities in the sponge-like structure are all the same shape and size in a particular type of zeolite. This means that zeolites can act as sieves, catching only molecules small enough to fit into the cavities, while excluding larger molecules. This is called "molecular sieving".
The natural zeolite "Clinoptilolite" because of its great absorbing power and high cation exchange capacity has many applications in industry. | Agriculture | | Maxpell® Zeolite Ore is a Canadian Food Inspection Agency registered feed ingredient as a pelleting aid for poultry, swine and beef rations. CFIA Registration number 990448 | Concrete | Lightweight zeolite concrete can be cast, is dimensionally accurate and machinable which facilitates reduced construction time and costs. The material can be made with compressive strengths ranging from 500 - 1500 kg/m3 (lighweight). Has excellent thermal and accoustic properties. Has flexibility and good to excellent engineering properties of density, structure, permeability, efflorescence, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and elastic modules. Good to exceptional durabilities against sulphate, acid, carbonation and frost resistance. | | back to top |
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